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In Quebec, winter tires are mandatory during the cold season, as these tires are specially adapted to handle the difficult road conditions brought on by our harsh winter weather. The rubber used in the tread of a winter tire is softer, providing better traction, even on icy pavement. The grooves are also thicker and deeper to better evacuate the snow. Additionally, the tread surface—or the part of the winter tire that makes contact with the road—is generally 10 percent larger than that of an all-season tire, offering improved stability and road-holding.
The SAAQ (Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec) requires all passenger vehicles to be equipped with winter tires from December 15 through March 15. Beginning in 2019, the start date will change to December 1. Since the rubber of a winter tire is softer and therefore wears more easily during the warm temperatures of summer, it’s recommended to wait until the cool breezes of autumn to install your winter tires. In general, a winter tire will wear normally when used at temperatures of 7 °C and lower, so it’s possible to have your winter tires installed well before the first snow. That way, you won’t be caught off guard, since it usually comes before December. Furthermore, Dilawri Auto suggests that you schedule your service appointment early to avoid the pandemonium that typically breaks out around this time of year.
Your tires are the only thing between your vehicle and the road, so purchasing the wrong ones can have serious consequences. That’s why the experts in the Dilawri Auto Parts Department are here to advise you as to the best winter tires for your vehicle. For example, if you travel a lot during the cold season, you might want to choose a more durable winter tire to maximize the life of your tires. Depending on your location, you might want to ask for tires with enhanced traction. Depending on your budget and your needs, you might want to ask about winter tires that are designed to provide a smoother, quieter ride. Here at Dilawri Auto, we also offer several options in energy-efficient winter tires, which will help you save money at the pump thanks to their reduced resistance.
Did you know that improper installation of your winter tires can lead to premature wear and tear, difficulty in operating your vehicle and even undesirable noise and vibration? Not only do winter tires have to be installed on your wheels in a certain manner, but it’s also essential to have them balanced, to clean the area between the wheel and the vehicle, to properly tighten the lug nuts and to inflate the tires to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. And that’s not even counting a general inspection of your vehicle, which may exhibit rust or some other problem that could prevent the tires from being properly installed. The law doesn’t require that experts install your winter tires, but it’s strongly recommended that you leave this task to an experienced mechanic. Contact the Service Department at Dilawri Auto to make an appointment or ask one of the experts in our Parts Department for tips on ordering the right winter tires for your vehicle.
